Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is facing renewed scrutiny after a series of incidents linked to its recent renovation program raised concerns about potential construction defects, despite more than MX$8 billion (US$461 million) invested across Terminals 1 and 2.
Industry specialists and lawmakers are questioning whether the accelerated execution of modernization works ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have left unresolved issues affecting infrastructure reliability and operational safety. The concerns emerged shortly after airport authorities announced the completion of the first phase of a broader MX$8 billion modernization strategy, including MX$6.5 billion invested in 106 projects throughout the airport.
Fernando Gómez, an aviation industry specialist, told Reforma that the incidents reported during and after construction have raised questions about potential hidden defects that may only become apparent after project completion.
“In the private sector, when you have a construction project, an independent supervisory company must be hired. It reviews progress according to the established schedule and verifies that everything is executed properly,” Gómez said.
He noted that although the airport works were primarily focused on refurbishment and aesthetic improvements, concerns remain about undetected failures that could affect both passengers and employees. “It is not only about the impact on the airport’s image or the delays recorded during construction; what is truly important is the safety of users and workers,” he said.
Among the incidents reported during the renovation process were flooding, roof leaks, water shortages and the partial collapse of the roofing structure on a pedestrian bridge. The most recent event involved the formation of a sinkhole on the access ramp to Terminal 2, temporarily forcing authorities to close the area while repairs were carried out.
The modernization program was led by the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) and included upgrades to façades, interior and exterior lighting systems, walls, ceilings, flooring, and waterproofing. The works also covered repairs to hydraulic, sanitary, and electrical infrastructure, CCTV systems, data and communications networks, automatic doors, and sanitary facilities.
According to SEMAR, the projects awarded to Autovía Golfo Centro, Desarrolladora de Infraestructura, Controladora de Operaciones de Infraestructura, and ICA Constructora were supervised by engineering firm Ayesa México.
During the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President for the Americas, IATA, said the airport’s recent investments were necessary but insufficient to address its long-term infrastructure challenges.
“The improvements were necessary, but there is still an important need to address the airport’s structural challenges,” Cerdá said.
He added that future planning should prioritize runway capacity, taxiway optimization, and terminal expansion, while supporting aviation demand over the next 25 to 30 years.
Federal lawmakers from the National Action Party (PAN) have requested that AICM Director General Juan José Padilla Olmos appear before Congress to explain the progress of the modernization works and the incidents reported during and after construction. Legislators also called for sanctions against any companies or public officials found to have failed to comply with established construction standards.
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